[Bamabeachlivin]

NAME: Ivan Matchett
POSITION: Running back
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5-10, 206
HOMETOWN/SCHOOL: Mobile/St. Paul's Episcopal School
SENIOR YEAR STATS: Rushed for 1,975 yards and 26 touchdowns to lead St. Paul's to the Class 5A state championship.
ESPN SCOUTS INC. GRADE/POSITION RANK: 79 (No. 31 RB)

LIKELIHOOD TO START IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 2
LIKELIHOOD TO PLAY IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 2

THE SKINNY
Matchett was a very productive player in high school, but Alabama is loaded with similar players in its backfield already. Consequently, Crimson Tide coaches might not be tempted to burn his redshirt year in 2008 barring a rash of injuries. Still, Matchett is the kind of guy who could develop into a powerful short-yardage/blocking back. Just probably not this year.

ESPN SCOUTS INC. EVALUATION
Matchett is a compact hybrid of fullback build and tailback change-of-direction skills. He is a load to handle with a low center of gravity and lower body strength between the tackles. Reminds us of former Alabama RB Kenneth Darby, only Matchett may be a little faster. The type of back that will wear a defense down with a heavy load throughout the course of a game. He shows very good instincts, vision and patience as a runner. He is a "slippery" runner that makes it difficult to get a clean shot at his body. Drives his legs and shows the ability to consistently push the pile as an inside runner. Produces yards-after-contact. Displays impressive initial burst for his size and shows enough quickness to bounce the inside-run outside once he gets through the line of scrimmage. His body control and balance are excellent. He is compact and shows the ability to plant-and-drive quickly. Matchett lacks elite top-end speed, but he shows good initial burst and reaches top-gear quickly. You don't see a lot of backs like this kid. He looks like a fullback, but can make people miss so he can wear you down and still provide some big play runs. Excellent prospect that is fun to watch. He could easily add 20 pounds quickly and become a bulldozer
Story

[Stoney]

I would redshirt him and put him in the weight room. This kid has real potential.